1 B1 informal
To leave a place very quickly, as if racing.
"As soon as the bell rang, the students raced off to the cafeteria."
inseparable
race off
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave somewhere very quickly, especially in a hurry or in a competitive spirit.
In plain English
To run or drive away very fast, as if in a race.
What does "race off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
Of a vehicle, to depart at high speed.
"The sports car raced off down the motorway before anyone could get a look at the driver."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To race away — to depart at racing speed.
Actually means
To run or drive away very fast, as if in a race.
Usage tip
Describes rapid departure from a location, often with a sense of urgency or excitement. Can be used literally (a person or vehicle leaving at speed) or slightly figuratively. Common in both British and American English. Sometimes used in a competitive context where someone leaves quickly to beat others.
Words that pair with "race off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car start line finish line crowd immediately home
How to conjugate "race off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
race off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
races off
he/she/it
Past simple
raced off
yesterday
Past participle
raced off
have + pp
-ing form
racing off
continuous
Hear "race off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "race off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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